Friday, August 1, 2014

NFL Running Back Apologizes for Punching Wife, Says Should Have "Backhanded" Her Instead

OWINGS MILLS, Md.—(TYDN) Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice apologized Friday to his wife and all women affected by domestic violence, saying he used excessive force when he punched his then-fiancée in a casino elevator, TheYellowDailyNews has learned.

Rice, speaking to the media at his sprawling home here for the first time in an exclusive interview with TheYellowDailyNews, said instead he "should only have backhanded" Janay, who he subsequently married.

Rice is accused of punching his spouse unconscious on Feb. 15 while in a casino elevator in Atlantic City.

Domestic violence groups applauded Rice, saying his acceptance of responsibility was a first start, and should set an example to other men considering punching their loved ones.

"Our research has shown that backhanded blows to the face deal significantly less force than straight-on punches to the face," said Rita Smithovitch, president of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "We should applaud Ray Rice's acceptance of responsibility."

Rice has pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault charges and was admitted to an intervention program to avoid trial.

Because Rice admitted to using excessive force, the NFL was considering lifting the All-Star running back's two-game suspension and $530,000 fine, according to NFL sources, speaking to TheYellowDailyNews on condition of anonymity and granted anonymity by TheYellowDailyNews because of the sensitivity of the topic, and because the sources have not been authorized to speak to the media.